How to Use a Thesaurus

A thesaurus is a great tool if you feel as though your writing is repetitive or you simply can’t find the right word to say what you want to say. In order to avoid common mistakes, use the correct style of thesaurus for your needs, understand each part of the thesaurus entry and stay true to your original context. With proper use, a thesaurus can add variety and power to your writing.

Method1

Searching for Synonyms in an Alphabetical Thesaurus

1. Look up the word you’re interested in alphabetically in the main body of the book. Make sure you’re spelling the word correctly and proceed to that listing. Some terms (in the photo, the ones in SMALL CAPS) may be cross references. Looking up cross references can help you better understand the meaning of the word you’ve looked up.
   • Homonyms are words that sound the same, but have different meanings. Check the word’s spelling and its contextual use in a dictionary to be sure you haven’t used the incorrect word.

2.Use the italicized term next to your chosen word to determine what grammatical category it falls into.For example, if your original word was a verb, make sure the synonym you’re using is also a verb.

• This will also tell you if you’re using similar word the right way. For example, “intent” can be an adjective or a noun. However, “intention” is also a noun with the same meaning.

3.Look directly beneath the word to find the definition of your original word.

• If your thesaurus doesn’t include definitions, look the word up in a dictionary to be sure of its meaning.

4.Select the synonym you will use.Choosing the correct word will depend on the context of your sentence and your intent. Use your dictionary to check the meaning of any word that interests you. Look up how it can be used in a sentence and see if your original meaning still makes sense.

• Some words or phrases may be idioms. Make sure to check for any cultural context that could change the word’s meaning.
• If you’re using an historical dictionary, it will also include words that were appropriate for certain time periods. Make sure the word you select is also relevant to the contemporary context of what you’re writing.

5.Use the synonym in your original sentence. Return to your original text and see if the word fits with your original intent. Use it in a sentence to make sure the new word matches your tone and voice. You shouldn’t use a thesaurus to simply add additional words to your text, they should be necessary to the text.

• If you’re still unsure if the synonym you’ve chosen is correct, look it up in a dictionary. Check out other synonyms listed in your thesaurus and see if they might be a better fit.

Method2

Searching for Synonyms in a Roget-Type Thesaurus

1. Understand how your thesaurus is organized. Some traditional thesauri are organized by an index in the back of the book. This index will send you to a longer, numbered entry. Others are organized by general categories. Your thesaurus will have a guide that explains how it should be used. Read it thoroughly.
   • Traditional thesauruses also offer antonyms.

2.Use the alphabetical index at the back of the thesaurus to find your word. This index allows for longer, more detailed entries. Use your dictionary to be sure you’re spelling the word correctly.

• Homonyms are words that sound the same, but have different meanings. Check the word’s spelling and its contextual use in a dictionary to be sure you haven’t used the incorrect word.
• All the words in the entry will appear in the index just once.

3.Select the synonym you will use. Choosing the correct word will depend on the context of your sentence and your intent. Use your dictionary to check the meaning of any word that interests you. Look up how it can be used in a sentence and see if your original meaning still makes sense.

• Some words or phrases may be idioms. Make sure to check for any cultural context that could change the word’s meaning.

4.Use the synonym in your original sentence. Return to your original text and see if the word fits with your original intent. Use it in a sentence to make sure the new word matches your tone and voice. You shouldn’t use a thesaurus to simply add additional words to your text, they should be necessary to the text.

• If you’re still unsure if the synonym you’ve chosen is correct, look it up in a dictionary. Check out other synonyms listed in your thesaurus and see if they might be a better fit.

Method3

Choosing the Appropriate Word for Your Needs

1. Look up your original word and the word you’ve chosen in a dictionary. Be sure you understand what both words mean. Some words may seem similar but might not apply in your particular context. For example, you wouldn’t want to use “bloodless” if you’re describing something that’s “pale.”
   • Some thesauri list idioms, these are cultural phrases whose meaning relies on cultural context. Make sure you research any possible idioms you could be using and if they make sense in context.
   • If you’re using an historical thesaurus, it will provide synonyms from different time periods. Make sure the word you select is correct for the time period you’re writing about.

2.Use a thesaurus sparingly.

• Over use of a thesaurus can be a distraction

3.Use the synonym in your original sentence. Return to your original text and see if the word fits with your original intent. Use it in a sentence to make sure the new word matches your tone and voice.

• Don’t be afraid to try a few synonyms to find the best fit for your voice.